OUR HISTORY
Willis Page was the conductor and musical director of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra from 1971 to 1983. After 30 years of making music, the Orchestra had officially ceased to be in 1970. Page was largely responsible for its revival, taking the newly reformed orchestra on tour to some of America's major concert halls and commissioning a series of new pieces by majoy composers. In 1985 he founded the St Johns River City Band.
In 1989, Willis Page established the Frist Coast Pops Orchestra, which brought the Boston Pops approach to Florida via weekend concerts held at the Jacksonville Beach Flag Pavillion.
Following the tenure of Willis Page, Ralph Coleman became the director of the orchestra for over 12 years.
Ralph received his Music Education degree from Jacksonville University. He directed bands in three Northeast Florida Counties and received the honor of Teacher of the Year twice in his career. He was a member of the JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY for 11 years and continues to play in various community bands, orchestras and ensembles.
Ralph was instrumental in increasing our numbers and skill level.
The First Coast Pops Orchestra is currently co directed by Terri Jesonek and Jeffrey Ackerman
For many years the incredible members of the FCPO have been traveling the greater Jacksonville area to provide an amazing live musical performance to various community centers and churches, a noteworthy mission that continues to this day.
Willis Page was the conductor and musical director of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra from 1971 to 1983. After 30 years of making music, the Orchestra had officially ceased to be in 1970. Page was largely responsible for its revival, taking the newly reformed orchestra on tour to some of America's major concert halls and commissioning a series of new pieces by majoy composers. In 1985 he founded the St Johns River City Band.
In 1989, Willis Page established the Frist Coast Pops Orchestra, which brought the Boston Pops approach to Florida via weekend concerts held at the Jacksonville Beach Flag Pavillion.
Following the tenure of Willis Page, Ralph Coleman became the director of the orchestra for over 12 years.
Ralph received his Music Education degree from Jacksonville University. He directed bands in three Northeast Florida Counties and received the honor of Teacher of the Year twice in his career. He was a member of the JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY for 11 years and continues to play in various community bands, orchestras and ensembles.
Ralph was instrumental in increasing our numbers and skill level.
The First Coast Pops Orchestra is currently co directed by Terri Jesonek and Jeffrey Ackerman
For many years the incredible members of the FCPO have been traveling the greater Jacksonville area to provide an amazing live musical performance to various community centers and churches, a noteworthy mission that continues to this day.